Every Jan. 27, survivors, ancestors, citizens and world leaders take time to honor the lives lost and those impacted by the Holocaust for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

This year’s remembrance was especially significant as it marked 75 years since the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated.

According to history.com, between 1.1 million to 1.5 million people were tragically lost at Auschwitz. The camp was liberated in 1945 after approximately 2.5 years of operation.

This Monday also marked the 15th anniversary of International Holocaust Remembrance Day being adopted by the United Nations.

The Auschwitz memorial and museum held a special commemoration with over 200 survivors in attendance. The United Nations is also hosting multiple events and public screening throughout the week in honor of the international remembrance.

The white house released a presidential message stating, “As we come together as one Nation on this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we ask God to grant strength to those who survived the depravity of the Nazi regime and comfort to the families of the victims whose lives were cut short.”

The message continued stating, “We ask that the world reflect on this day and seek to ensure that we stand united against intolerance and oppression of people of every race, religion, or ethnicity.”

Locally, Belger Crane Yard Studios, in Kansas City, Missouri, currently has an exhibit that features survivors’ personal photos prior to World War II. The photos are projected onto ceramic teapots, cups and various other ceramics. The Rea Stern: In Fugue exhibition will be on display until Feb. 8.

Student Media would like to take this moment to honor those impacted by the Holocaust as we acknowledge International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Edited by Adam White, Jason Morrison